PM Transcripts

-hi
1J. AU8T ALIAPRIME
MINISTER
FOR PRESS 16 DECEMBER 1977
JOINT STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER AND THE PREMIER OF VICTORIA
HOSPITAL PINANCES
We met today to discuss the situation of hospital finances in
Victoria. We agreed that both Governments want a speedy and
sensible solution to the financial problems facing Victorian
hospitals. Officers will meet urgently to prepare a joint report to both
Governments in January.
We agreed that the following principles dhould guide their
considerations: 1. The Commonwealth cmmaitment-to 50-50 sharing of
agreed hospital costs stands firm and fixed.
2. There-will -be no forced-re-ductions of services or
S closures of wards as. a. result-of budgetary cuts,
if these affected patient care. It is recognised
that normal seasonal fluctuations may result in
closure of wards and-reduction in demand for services,
particularly at. this time of the year.
S. 3. Hospital-expenditure is a-large-and increasing element
in Commonwealth and State budgets and both governments
accept the-need for firm cost containment in the
hospital field.
Both Governments will consider the Report as soon as it is
available.